Dr. Eric Kuo-Chi Chu – Internist / Geriatrician | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Eric Kuo-Chi Chu is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Richmond Hill, ON, he serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to high-quality internal medicine and geriatric services. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), prioritizing patient safety, ethical practice, and continuous improvement.

Dr. Chu graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1998 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His certifications reflect a commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in his field, enabling him to offer expert diagnosis, management, and holistic care tailored to adult and senior patients.

With a clear and educational approach to medicine, Dr. Chu is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of his patients. He speaks English fluently and emphasizes open communication and patient-centered care. His clinical philosophy focuses on comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment plans, and promoting independence and quality of life for older adults. He is committed to serving the Richmond Hill community with integrity and compassion.

Dr. Chu provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.

Dr. Chu manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Chu. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Chu's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Chu's practice is located in the central part of Richmond Hill, within the Mill Pond neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Seneca College King Campus and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva transit services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Chu? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Chu are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Chu. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Delirium Prevention & Management, Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Chu will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Chu may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is crucial, Dr. Chu also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Investigation of Anemia), and participation in meaningful activities.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Chu, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

Room 1 - 117, 57 Major Mackenzie Dr E
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1G8

Phone: (905) 780-6873

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Chu is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chu-Eric-KuoChi/0150299-72295